Toronto police seize $2.5M in drugs in 'Project DOMO' raids

Toronto police carried out a series of drug raids on Tuesday, wrapping up a months-long project that captured around $2.5-million worth of illegal substances.

The Drug Squad’s Project DOMO executed 29 search warrants and made 22 arrests during the Tuesday raids. The project started investigations in September 2011 in an effort to dismantle “cocaine distribution networks in the Greater Toronto Area.” Among the seizures made during the investigation — which started executing search warrants in February ­— was 10 kilograms of cocaine, marijuana and MDMA, the active ingredient found in ecstasy.

While a separate investigation on Sunday uncovered a bag of labeled “bath salts,” investigators with Project DOMO said the notorious substance was not part of its investigation. Officers also found nine firearms, an extendable baton, $200,000 in cash and over $400,000 worth “of proceeds of crime” during the project.

Although the investigation was part of Toronto Police’s Organized Crime Enforcement department, inspectors said Tuesday that they did not believe the drug network to be involved with a known organized crime ring.

Const. Tony Vella said there were no reported instances of violence or resisting arrest during the execution of the search warrants.

“No drama,” he said.

The project saw investigators search homes and vehicles in February, April, May and twice this month, spanning Toronto, York, Waterloo and Durham regions.

“Most of the activity was here in Toronto” Const. Vella said. “York, Waterloo, and Durham was where some of the accused resided.”

Toronto Police were not releasing the further details of the investigation on Tuesday.
National Post